best age to do a bed transition?

Question

my little boy is 2 and a half and dad just bought him a bunk-bed to eventually move in to. How old is old enough to sleep in one of those? I'd of course put him on the bottom bunk. We haven't had any problems with him climbing out of the crib, he's liked it but now his baby brother is going to be born in April and we'll need the crib for him. Is my son old enough to transition?
We were also thinking of re-decorating his room to make that a fun incentive..

he likes the crib, that's why he's still in it. When I think about it, I was in a crib till 3

Answer 1

My two younger children were in the crib until almost 4. I think they were a little more than 31/2. My oldest came out at around 2 because he kept climbing over the side. Or I should say he would throw himself over the side and then shimmy down the rails head first. He was very tall and we were afraid he would hurt himself.

My pediatrician said it was best to keep little ones in the crib for as long as possible if there is no danger of then getting out or hurting themself trying, or as close to the age of 4 as possible.

At 21/2 children understand the concept of bedtime but, they also feel a freedom when put in a bed that they can get out of on their own. Meaning that when you put them to bed at night you will probabaly do it many times because they will get up when you leave the room.

Also there is the feeling of familiarity in the crib. They know it is time to go to sleep when you put them in there and they feel safe and secure because of that familiarity.

At an older age they can understand the transition a little more and feel like a big boy having a big boy bed. It is just an easier transition for all of you.

However, that being said, if the new baby is arriving in April and you do not intend to buy another crib (which I don't think is necessary) the time is right by necessity. I would give the child a chance to get use to the new bed before baby gets here so he does not feel like the new baby stole his bed.

Start out by using the bed for naptimes during the day. See how he adjust. He may take to the new bed right away and everything may be right with the world to him. He may like the freedom of knowing that when naptime is over he can get up on his own. (My youngest would call me when he woke up and at first I went to him, then I started telling him it's ok to get up, come see mommy and we'll get you a snack.) Make sure you have a side rail. Trauma as well as injuries can be incured from repeatly falling out of bed.

If you plan on putting the new baby in a bassinet for the first month or so let your son stay in the crib until after the baby is home. That way you can extend his time in the crib and give him time to adjust to the new addition to the family. Let him stay a few night in his crib but use the bed for naptimes. After a few nights put him in his new bed at night. He may not even notice the change if he has been napping well in the new bed.

After a few naptimes in the new bed when it is bedtime don't physically put your son to bed. Just tell him "Bedtime baby, let's get in bed" and let him go to the bed he is going to get into. He may chose the big bed on his own. If not in the beginning after a few times he will chose the big bed. Mission accomplished.

Personally if the new baby is due in April, I would start with naptimes now and try to make the adjustment in the next couple of weeks. After the baby is born he may feel the need to get back in his crib for a few night---that is normal and that is ok, if you have other options for baby. If not tell him the baby need the baby bed, he needs to sleep in the big boy bed.

Don't stess, don't worry. He will adjust. I am sure you are doing fine.

Congratulations on the new arrival. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Can you make the crib go into a day bed? That would be the first good start.

Normally I suggest letting them stay in the crib until they start climbing out or are potty trained but since you need it, I think you should get him out of it as soon as possible.

Just pick a night and tell him that that would be the night for sleeping in his big boy bed. Let him use all his blankets from his crib so it still feels safe and take the crib down and put it away. This will help reduce temptation to just give in and let him sleep in the crib and it will also stop him from thinking that his younger sibling "took" his bed.

Answer 3

Well i would probably do it a couple of months prior to you have your baby. That way he doesn't feel forced. I know we just converted my sons crib to a toddler bed and he is only 19 months and we did it when he was 17 months. He loves it. So he didn't mind about the change. Now we bought him a toddler bed, that he loves playing on.. he won't sleep in it even though we have the guard rails on it.. he fell out of his bed three times in one night and he won't go back to it.. his crib which converted into a toddler bed.. doesn't have a big guard rail.. just a little bit of wood sticking up and he has never fallen out of that for some reason. So I would start by leaving the crib in there at first and putting him down for naps in his bunk bed, if he likes that then take the crib out and put it in the new room then try and see how he likes that.. just ease into the transition.. way before the baby comes b/c if you do it to late then he is going to feel like you are snatching his bed away for the new baby. Goodluck

Answer 4

Does the crib convert? My daughter's did and I took the side off and have both set up for now as an option. Most of the time she sleeps in the toddler sized bed, but sometimes she gets up into the twin size. Also, if I put her to sleep in the bigger bed, she stays for the most part. (she is 20 months old and slept in her crib from birth until 15 months)

You could also purchase a rail for the bigger bed. This way, he won't fall out and he may feel a little more secure like when he was in the crib

Answer 5

we moved our daughter at age 2 1/2 into a toddler bed, and she did fine. It's got one of those railings on it to keep her from falling out.

We're trying for #2, so we've been chatting to her about buying her a regular twin size bed, so that the new baby can have the crib. So far she's not biting yet, but we've not come up with the right incentive for her to give the bed up.

Your son should do fine!

Answer 6

Your son will let you know when hes ready and its different for all kids. My son for exapmle was in his own bed and out of the crib by 8 months. Once he could get out of his crib on the lowest setting I knew he was ready. And rest assured that it will happen and he's not behind and its not in any way out of the ordinary for him to not be ready. If you really want to push the issue and move whether he's ready or not then try using a rewards system where he earns points or stickers towards a prize of his choice...within reason.... at the end of the week or month for sleeping in his big boy bed. But be prepared for some longggggg nights while he adjusts to the new bed. Another good way is to let him pick out his bedding.
GOOD LUCK AND TRY TO KEEP IT FUN FOR HIM.

Answer 7

Yeah, anytime after 2 would be ok for sure. Think about getting a rail for the side of the bed so he won't fall out, and what you will do to make sure he can't climb up the ladder to the top when you aren't around. Go ahead and start trying to get him to sleep there now, that way it won't be like suddenly he's being pushed out because of the baby.

Answer 8

2 is a wonderful age!
Both my kids moved form cribs to beds at 2. Try getting mesh railing to prevent falling (you can gett it cheap at babies r us). Be sure that the bottom sheet is tight, do not use the top sheet for a while as it poses a risk of suffocation, instead use a light comforter that your child is able to kick by himself or one of his regular blankets. Do not tell him that the crib is for the new baby since he might get jealous! Re decorating is a great idea, use his favorite animals/cartoons/things and make it special for him.
Best of luck
Best of luck

Answer 9

My daughter was in a bed by her first birthday. It was a cot bed with a rail we brough that can be used on a bed. This is young however, it was easier for her because she was very independant and climed in and out of bed in the morning to play in her room. however, my son is 18months old and i would never even think about it yet! You will know when your child is ready. I would suggest that if you feel your child is ready, make the cot into a bed and buy a rail that you can move onto a proper bed when you feel she/he has outgrown there cotbed. Hope this helps

Answer 10

2 1/2 is perfect to do the bed transition!! Just get some bed railing for him so he doesnt roll out =) Be ready to wake up early since he'll figure out that he can get out of bed and do what he wants =) AND remember 2 year olds are clever make sure that you have locks on your front door and back door so that he can't get out without you knowing!! But other than that have fun!! He may love it and he may not =) just keep that in mind!!